Children receive COVID-19 vaccine in Ottawa as push continues to vaccinate all residents
A big day for nine-year-old Aiden Schulz as he gets his first COVID-19 vaccine shot at CHEO, in spite of his fear of needles.
"I feel nervous and a bit scared," said Schulz.
Aiden's mom, Tracy, chose CHEO's clinic hoping the smaller environment puts her son at ease.
"The hospital is meant for kids and I’ve been here before," said the young Schulz.
Both were bracing for the appointment based on their past experiences with other shots.
"We had to hold him down," said Tracy Schulz. "He lost it for an hour….wound up having him sit on my lap, my sister and mom had to pin him down. That’s how he got his flu shot."
The first weekend of paediatric vaccination clinics saw more than 5,000 doses administered in Ottawa as those ages 5 to 11 roll up their sleeves.
However, the push to get jabs into the arms of Ottawa residents over the age of 12 continues.
Ottawa Public Health reporting 91 per cent of residents 12 and older have at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 88 per cent have two doses and are considered fully vaccinated.
Certain parts of the city are reporting higher vaccination numbers than other areas. The updated Ottawa Neighbourhood Study says in certain neighbourhoods, numbers hover in the 70 per cent range.
For instance, the vaccination rate in Ledbury – Heron Gate- Ridgemont has one of the lowest vaccination neighbourhoods in the city at 71 per cent. However, the latest numbers show an increase of nearly four per cent through the month of November.
"I think the key is not to push," said Kelli Tonner, the executive director for the South East Ottawa Community Health Centre.
Tonner suggests these numbers are a direct result of the outreach, pop-up clinics and information sessions throughout the community and with help from neighbourhood ambassadors and resident leaders.
"With patience, with consistent easy access and continued information with trusted providers, we will keep seeing those numbers go up," said Tonner.
Back at CHEO, it’s all smiles for the Schulz family as they made their way to the car post-COVID vaccine shot.
"They froze his arm with a bit of spray," said Tracy Schulz. "There was a fair bit of tears but it was definitely better than last time."
Though he is still afraid of needles, Aiden said he is ready for his second shot scheduled for January.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.